->''"Finally, we come to my number two man. His name... Number Two."''-->-- '''Dr. Evil''', ''Film/AustinPowersInternationalManOfMystery''

The right-hand man of TheLeader, or second in command. Usually TheLancer and a {{Foil}}. The one who takes over the "ship" when TheCaptain wants to be off doing [[BuffySpeak non-Captainy things.]]

Often called simply Number Two (or, confusingly, Number One), although terms like first mate or executive officer frequently appear in military fiction especially involving the chain of command in a CommandRoster. Compare TheLancer in the FiveManBand, who is usually not too happy about that. Although sometimes the Number Two is also TheLancer to provide a contrast between authority figures. In-universe this is also a good idea: If TheLeader is HotBlooded then he needs TheStoic to balance him, and vice versa.

Strictly, in the Royal Navy, at least, the captain would have an executive officer and a first lieutenant[[labelnote:*]]The term Lieutenant in fact, basically means "In the place of the position holder" in french, meaning that a "lieutenant" is a placeholder for a superior, during their absence.[[/labelnote]], both ranks being held by a single person on smaller ships. Hence the XO (also known as Number One or sometimes "the Jimmy" ) would be the captain's Right Hand Man and Number Two would be ''his'' immediate junior. The position also goes by the title Executive Officer (XO), particularly in the American military.

If the creators did the research, the (XO) is much more likely to interact with the crew. On a ship, "Number One" is responsible for the crew: training, ordinary discipline (that is motivating the [=NCOs=] to motivate the others) setting watches for the officers etc. The captain's job is to decide what the ship should do, Number Two makes sure the ship and crew can do it. A CaptainSmoothAndSergeantRough situation can result from this.

If the Number Two is also the final obstacle before reaching the BigBad, then they're TheDragon. Sometimes gets "promoted" to CommanderContrarian. The dimwit version is NumberTwoForBrains. If they double as the voice of reason, there's the TheConsigliere.

Not to be confused with [[Script/NumberTwo the original script]] for ''Film/BackToTheFuturePartII''. Or the euphemism for solid waste. Has nothing to do with YouAreNumberSix.----!!Examples

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[[folder:Anime and Manga]]* ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'': Rivals Judai's and Misawa's nicknames for each other are "Number 1" and "Number 2".* In ''Anime/SonicX'', Tails is often seen leading the other characters during Sonic's absence. Sonic also refers to Tails as ''My Right hand man!''* Griffith of ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' is [[TheCaptain Hayate's]] Number Two, and is mostly there to take command of the Long Arch crew whenever [[PersonOfMassDestruction Hayate]] decides to join the battle.* BC of ''Anime/{{Vandread}}'' is the Number Two of Magno in the Nirvana, [[spoiler: and also happens to be TheMole of the [[OneGenderRace all-male planet of Taraak]], though Magno already knew about that from the beginning]].* Bjorn is the number two of Askeladd's crew in ''Manga/VinlandSaga''.* Fuyutsuki plays this role in ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'', typically being left in charge at the drop of a hat (or an Angel) and it's notably rare for both himself and Commander Ikari to be absent (almost as notable as it is for Ikari to be present).* ''OnePiece'':** Zoro is this whenever Luffy isn't around. Nami sometimes is this too.** And from other pirate groups, we have Marco, who is this to Whitebeard. Silvers Rayleigh to Gold Roger. Brook was like this to his previous captain, before circumstances forced him into becoming Captain himself. Killer to Kid. Every other first mate counts.** Nico Robin as Miss All Sunday to Crocodile's Mister 0, as well. While officially his partner, but since Mister 0 is the undisputed boss, she is this, standing above all the other agents below them.** During the Dressrosa Arc, it is revealed that [[spoiler:Sabo, who was thought to be dead]] is this for the Revolutionary Army.* Lieutenant Yamamoto of ''Anime/IrresponsibleCaptainTylor'' has to play StraightMan to the eponymous captain. [[OnlySaneMan It's easy to feel sorry for him.]]* {{Naruto}}:** Yamato was originally supposed to replace Kakashi ''temporarily'' but ended up becoming the Number Two.** In [[FourStarBadass General]] [[AwesomeByAnalysis Kakashi's]] Division, [[TestosteronePoisoning Might]] [[RatedMForManly Guy]], is Kakashi's Number Two.** Zetsu is Number Two for Tobi in the Akatsuki.** Konan for Nagato in Amegakure.** In the backstory, Madara Uchiha was the First Hokage's Number Two. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, he developed an InferioritySuperiorityComplex towards his former friend.** Darui is this to the Fourth Raikage A. After A lost his dominant hand to Sasuke, he doesn't mind it that much, since he still has Darui as his best right hand...even though A is left-handed.** Shikamaru becomes this for Naruto [[spoiler:as his advisor when Naruto becomes the Seventh Hokage]].* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'', being a very military-based storyline, has these in different places. Most evident to the reader/viewer, Riza Hawkeye is the second-in-command of [[ColonelBadass Roy Mustang's]] unit.* Casca was this to Griffith in ''{{Manga/Berserk}}'', and took over leadership of the Band of the Hawk following Griffith's imprisonment by the King (which came about because Griffith had sex with Princess Charlotte following the departure of his greatest warrior, Guts).* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'': Murrue Ramius had Natarle Badgiruel (before they were split up by the top brass). In ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny'' Ramius has Andrew Waldfeld, Talia Gladys has Arthur Trine, Yzak Joule has Dearka Elsman, and Neo Roanoke has Ian Lee.* In ''AudioPlay/SaintBeast'', Lucifer was the number two to Zeus and eventually the DragonWithAnAgenda shortly before rebelling.* In ''Anime/LegendOfGalacticHeroes'', Siegfried Kircheis effectively serve this role to Reinhard von Lohengramm. Most of Reinhard's subordinates recognise and accept this disposition, except for Paul von Oberstein, who believes that TheLeader should not have a Number Two as that may lead to the creation of an alternate power base.* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': The Gotei 13 is split into 13 divisions. Each division is a semi-autonomous unit that is controlled by TheCaptain and backed up by the Lieutenant. In the absence of a captain, the Lieutenant has to shoulder full responsibility for the division.* Levi from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' is this to Commander Erwin, who is one of the few people Levi respects. Though that doesn't exempt Erwin from Levi's rudeness.* ''Manga/KnightsOfSidonia'' initially has Seii Ichirou as Number Two to Captain Kobayashi of the colony ship ''Sidonia''. Later, when he takes up a position in the ship's HumongousMecha squadron, he nominates Yuhata Midorikawa as his replacement.* The main character of ''Manga/KuroganePukaPukaTai'', Commander Kuki, is Number Two to the rarely-seen captain of the ''Unebi''. Commander Mary of the ''HMS Cutlass'' is another prominent Number Two.* In ''Anime/{{K}}'', The Red Clan, HOMRA, has Izumo Kusanagi, and the Blue Clan, Scepter 4, has Seri Awashima. Both of them, particularly Kusanagi (since the Red King, Mikoto, isn't fond of talking [[spoiler:and neither is his successor]]), tend to be the ones to say things in place of their Kings, predicting what the King would say (or saying something that's obvious enough, like getting [[BelligerentSexualTension Saruhiko and Misaki]] to stop fighting in important meetings). Of course, the two of them have FoeYay, along with the [[spoiler:earlier]] Red King and Blue King ([[PortmanteauCoupleName MikoRei]]), and their thirds-in-command, the aforementioned [[PortmanteauCoupleName SaruMi]].** Seri might be considered an {{Expy}} of Riza Hawkeye.* ''Manga/DetectiveConan'': Rum is the number two of the Black Organization, working directly under the Boss's command. For obvious reasons, Rum's position makes them stand above Gin and Vermouth, who had been established as very threatening antagonists long before Rum was even mentioned.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comic Books]]* In the ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'', Sue was always more or less Reed's Number Two, but it was a role she rarely had to play. Then Reed was killed off for a couple of years, and during that time, Sue had to step up to become team leader. This became a part of her personality and changed the team dynamic a bit. Reed still calls the shots (and Sue prefers it that way), but when he's absent, she'll easily take charge.* In ''ComicBook/SonicTheComic'' the role of Number Two is taken by [[AdaptationalBadass Amy Rose]] she leads the Freedom Fighters when Sonic is unable to (i.e. Sonic has tured into Super Sonic or Sonic is trapped in the Special Zone).[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Fiction]]* Hound is this to Jazz in ''Transformers Meta'' and leads the group when the latter is incapable of doing so.** He tried to once, but it didn't exactly go well and [[spoiler:Wheeljack ended up saving the day.]]* [=SpongeTron=] is this in ''Fanfic/TimeFixersNicktoonsOfTheFuture'' since he often takes charge of the Nicktoons when Darry is not around and was even made leader when Darry temporarily retired. For the original Nicktoons team, Danny serves as Jimmy's Number Two.* ''FanFic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': The sequel ''Picking Up the Pieces'' introduces the lieutenants of the six Guard divisions - as of chapter 8, Mist Flight of the Royal Guard, Lunar Light (nicknamed "Weird Beard" by his captain) of the Magi of Stars Guard, and Even Hoof of the Luna Guard have all appeared or been mentioned. Chapter 10 then reveals that Ruby Shell, introduced in the first story, is actually the lieutenant of the Hidden Guard. Chapter 11 identifies the final two lieutenants, Steady Lance of the Cadenza Guard and Dazzling Aura of the Celestia Guard. [[spoiler: In the same chapter, when Mist Flight temporarily takes over as Captain General, Artisan Shine becomes ''his'' second.]][[/folder]]

[[folder:Film]]* In the ''Film/AustinPowers'' series, Dr. Evil's Number Two was indeed called Number Two, not only as a rank but as being his proper name as well (IE: he's Mr. Two). To further drive the joke down, Number Two once gained his OWN Number Two, which, of course was deemed "Number Three". To further the irony, this Number Three later turned out to be TheMole for the Good Guys, who was only referred to as "The Mole" even though he had a recurring role in the movie.** It's used for a quick gag in the first and third movies, the first calling out the ToiletHumor version, the second using it for school testing results.* In the film ''Film/MeetDave'', the Number Two of TheCaptain was also literally named Number Two (or sometimes simply 'Two'), and is given no other name. He becomes concerned about the Captain's lack of enthusiasm for the ship's mission, especially his treating of humans as equals, and ultimately [[spoiler: pulls an AntiMutiny]].* Colonel Andrea Stavros, played by Anthony Quinn, in ''Film/TheGunsOfNavarone''.* Played straight in ''Film/TwelveOClockHigh''. Upon coming in and taking over when the Commander of Bomb Group has been relieved, the first thing General Savage does is have the Vice Commander (Number Two) of the Bomb Group brought to him under guard, then he proceeds to tear him a new asshole, relieve him of duty, and assign him the biggest fuck-ups in the outfit. He basically tells him that one of the reasons the commander had to be relieved is because he was forced to do too much because he, as Number Two, shirked his duties and didn't take enough tasks off the Commander's shoulders. Savage selects a more competent Vice Commander from the other officers in the outfit, and the disgraced officer spends the film trying to redeem himself (which he does).* Snake Eyes to General Hawk in ''Film/GIJoeTheRiseOfCobra''.* Herc Hansen to Stacker Pentecost in ''Film/PacificRim''. It makes sense seeing how both of them were involved in the Jaeger program when it first began and piloted Mark-1 Jaegers and were likely good friends. Taken further when [[spoiler: after Pentecost's HeroicSacrifice, Herc becomes the new Marshall.]]* ''Film/XMenFilmSeries'':** ''Film/X2XMenUnited'': Staff Sergeant Lyman to Colonel Stryker.** ''Film/XMenApocalypse'': By the end of the movie, Mystique becomes Professor X's second-in-command, which is the AdaptationalHeroism equivalent of her position as Magneto's [[TheDragon Dragon]] in the original trilogy. In the AlternateTimeline, she sides with her foster brother instead of her ex-lover.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]* The ship full of useless people from Golgafrincham in ''Literature/TheRestaurantAtTheEndOfTheUniverse'' has a captain who spends years in his bathtub drinking "gynnan tonix", a Number One officer who takes life easy, and a Number Two officer [[TheNeidermeyer who goose-steps around like a stormtrooper]] (or like Rimmer from ''Series/RedDwarf'') looking for chances to be useful.* For most of the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' series, Professor [=McGonagall=] is Dumbledore's Number Two, holding the title of "deputy headmistress".** That's relating to the school and the students. For the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore's Number Two is Mad-Eye Moody. For [[spoiler: protecting Harry and gathering intel on Voldemort, Snape is his Number Two. And for facing down Voldemort and his allies, Harry ends up in this position.]] Really, Dumbledore's got these all over the place.* ''Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse'':** In ''Literature/TheThrawnTrilogy'', Grand Admiral Thrawn and [[CommanderContrarian Captain]] Pellaeon.** In the ''Literature/HandOfThrawn'' Duology, General Bel Iblis strikes a deal with [[Literature/XWingSeries Booster Terrik]] - Booster's Star Destroyer gets fixed up and flies for the New Republic in her time of need, and Booster gets to keep captaining her during this. When they fly into battle against hopeless odds and Booster wants to save his ship, Bel Iblis overrides him. Booster angrily reminds him that he's the captain of this ship. Bel Iblis calmly says yes. But ''he'' is the ship's admiral.** In the ''Literature/XWingSeries'', although Wedge heads both squadrons he also has a second. Tycho seems to fill the role in Rogue Squadron, at least after those murder and treason charges were cleared up, and Face has the job in Wraith Squadron.* ''Literature/EndersGame'': Bean to Ender; if Ender ever [[HeroicBSOD broke under the strain]], the plan was to have Bean take over. His own portrayal of the same story in ''Literature/EndersShadow'' has him deciding that while he is the better tactician, he is not a commander of men and thus ''should'' be in such a role.* ''Literature/MobyDick'': Starbuck to Ahab.* During the ''[[Literature/SwordOfTruth Chainfire Trilogy]]'', when his true love is missing, Richard Rahl primarily relies on [[spoiler: Nicci]], his BlackMagicianGirl, to be his right-hand. In her first appearance in ''Chainfire'', she's seen healing Richard of a mortal injury, and afterwards functions mainly as his constant shadow and advisor on magical issues. Interestingly enough, she had previously [[DarkActionGirl played the role of number two to Richard's archnemesis.]]* Subverted in ''Literature/{{Thunderball}}'': the senior people of SPECTRE are addressed by code numbers such as "Number Two" during their meetings, but the number assigned to each person changes on a monthly rotation. Blofeld, [[BigBad absolute leader]] of SPECTRE, was "Number Two" in that book. (The ''movie'' made Blofeld Number One to avoid confusing viewers about who was in charge, since it didn't have the narrative explaining that this was a security measure.)* In ''Literature/WarriorCats'', all leaders appoint a "deputy", who is the second in command and succeeds them when they die. Both leader and deputy have quite a bit of responsibility, with the deputy doing jobs such as organizing all patrols.* ''Literature/TheCruelSea'' covers a "Number One's" duties (on anti-submarine craft) in exhaustive detail, since the protagonist is one (and the writer WAS one).* Tobias to Jake in ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'' as Jake also usually appoints him leader of the Marco-Tobias-Ax sub-team, which ended up carrying the end of the war.* In RickCook's ''Literature/LimboSystem'', Iron Alice DeRosa. She often serves as a sounding board for the captain.* The ''Literature/HonorHarrington'' series has a wide and ever-changing variety of these due to having LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters (who are often given [[AnyoneCanDie suprisingly little]] PlotArmor). In the first book, Captain Harrington's Number Two is Alistair [=McKeon=], who starts as an embittered CommanderContrarian [[note]] he fully expected to be promoted to Captain and take command of the ''Fearless'', except the far-younger Harrington was transferred in to fill the post instead[[/note]] before he finally steps up as TheLancer.* ''Literature/SongAtDawn'': Dragonetz has three of them: Arnaud for the battlefield, Al-Hisba for the paper mill and [[spoiler: Sanchez in spying.]]* In ''[[Literature/AnnalsOfTheWesternShore Gifts]]'', Brantor Canoc of Caspromant has Alloc. Alloc considers himself not nearly as smart as Canoc or heir Orrec and his gift is not as strong, but he's solid and sensible. When [[spoiler:Canoc dies and Orrec 'inherits',]] Alloc still considers himself to be the Number Two even though Orrec is mostly just agreeing with his suggestions.* William Bush through most of the ''Literature/HoratioHornblower'' books, as his first lieutenant and then the captain of Commodore Hornblower's flagship. He's TheLancer: not a genius like Hornblower, but solid, steady, and uncomplicated. He's frequently shown to e an excellent sailor who can always carry through Hornblower's plans reliably (and tries, if he can, to make sure Hornblower actually eats and sleeps).* In the ''Literature/JacobsLadderTrilogy'' Tristen is this to Perceval in the second volume, calling himself First Mate and acting the part.* ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments'':** Raphael Santiago to Camille Belcourt.** Stephen Herondale to Valentine Morgenstern, when he was still alive, [[spoiler:after Valentine cast out Luke for becoming a werewolf]].* In the backstory of ''Literature/{{Safehold}}'', Eric Langhorne had two Number Twos - Adoree Bedard was responsible for keeping the colonists in the dark about their pasts, while Maruyama Chihiro wrote the Holy Writ.* Newt from ''[[Literature/TheMazeRunner The Maze Runner Trilogy]]''. In the Glade, he answered only to the leader, Alby. He was generally the second-in-command within the main group of characters too.%%* ''Literature/TheHungerGames'': Messalla, to Cressida.* ''Literature/JourneyToChaos''** Retis is the second in command for the Dragon's Lair mercenary guild. He works directly under Ridley the Dragoness and maintains peace within the guild building** Samael's title is "Right hand of Death and Overseer of Necrocraft". She is the highest ranking GrimReaper in Lord Death's CelestialBureaucracy. * Alric of ''Literature/TheSpiritThief'' is the Deputy Commander of the League of Storms, and as such he serves as the second-in-command to the Lord of Storms.* In military science fiction ''Literature/{{Victoria}}'', protagonist John Rumford becomes this to rebel leader William Kraft after he merges his own militia of freedom fighters into the latter's broader coalition. After Kraft becomes Governor of the independent Confederation, Rumford remains effectively his second-in-command as Chief of the General Staff.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]* ''Series/{{Torchwood}}'' sees Gwen combine this role with TheHeart.* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': ** The office of Hand of the King could be considered this, but depending on where the individual who holds the title falls on the morality scale, or where their king falls for that matter, this could also be TheDragon. A specific example of this would be Ned to Robert as Hand of the King.--> '''Jaime:''' "What's the line? 'The King shits, and the Hand wipes.'" The books put it much more nicely, with the phrase "What the King dreams, the Hand builds".** Sansa becomes this to Littlefinger in Season 4 when she begins actively helping him with his schemes. Later, she becomes something of a Hand to Jon when he gears up for war with the Boltons and eventually becomes King in the North.** Ramsay Bolton is his father's second-in-command and top enforcer.** Jaime names Bronn second in command of Lannister forces during the siege of Riverrun.* Every ''Franchise/StarTrek'' series places the executive officer as a prominent character. They are often TheLancer as well, bringing a different perspective or background to the captain's and acting as a sounding board when it's time to make the tough call. They also take command of the ship if the captain is absent or injured or Borged.** ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'': Spock, trope namer for TheSpock. Though a member of Starfleet, his adherence to logic and dispassionate perspective plays off of Kirk's tendency to get emotionally involved in situations. Also the ship's science officer.** ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration:'' William Riker, who Picard calls Number One (as his position is first officer below the captain). The episode "Lower Decks" demonstrates that he is very much the authority figure to the crew: setting watch schedules, maintaining discipline, handling promotions, etcetera.** ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine:'' Kira Nerys is a liason officer sent by the Bajoran government to the Federation-commanded, Bajoran-owned station. (Their working relationship is slightly complicated by his becoming a messianic figure in her planet's religion.) She's not afraid to speak her mind or disagree with him.** ''Series/StarTrekVoyager:'' Janeway's original [=XO=] dies when the ship is flung into the Delta Quadrant. She appoints the captain of the [[LaResistance Maquis]] ship as her first officer when they're forced to combine their crews on her ship. He keeps his half of the crew cooperative but also takes the role of Janeway's conscience and confidant.** ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise'': T'Pol is posted to the ship by Vulcan High Command to keep an eye on the humans in their first deep-space venture. She's not officially a member of Starfleet until the third season (which causes a minor argument between her and the ship's engineer over who takes the chair when Archer's not around--it ends up being her). Archer resents her at first, but they eventually come to trust each other.** ''Series/StarTrekDiscovery'' will break from the pattern by casting the ship's number two as the main character. (Although Trek shows since the original have used an EnsembleCast, the captain was still decidedly the protagonist.)* Leo [=McGarry=] on ''Series/TheWestWing'', the [[OurPresidentsAreDifferent President's]] Chief-Of-Staff. Since Vice-Presidents are only used as a political tactic in the U.S., they usually don't actually have much to do with running the country, and in practice, the only thing that makes Leo a slight subversion of the Number Two is that he can't ascend to President upon death or disability. [[ManBehindTheMan Legally and in public, that is...]]** This leads to a few problems in season 2: when the President is shot and rushed into surgery, everyone reflexively takes their orders from Leo until Bartlet's conscious again. Then the dust settles and people start pointing out that, legally speaking, ''they can't do that''.---> '''Toby:''' The Commander in Chief had just been attacked, he was under a general anesthetic, a fugitive was at large, the manhunt included every federal state and local law enforcement agency. The Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware National Guard units were federalized. The KH-10s showed Republican Guard movement in southern Iraq. And 12 hours earlier an F-117 was shot down in the no-fly, and the Vice President's authority was ''murky'' at best! The National Security Advisor and the Secretary of State didn't know who they were taking their orders from. I wasn't in the Situation Room that night, but I'll bet all the money in my pockets against all the money in your pockets that it was Leo. '''''Who no one elected!''''' For 90 minutes that night, there was a coup d'état in this country.** Josh eventually becomes Number Two to Matt Santos.* ''Series/TheOfficeUS'' has several of these. Jan from the executive branch has Michael (the manager) and Toby (the HR liaison) as her Number Twos. Dwight acts as Michael's Number Two but is not in any official way. Jim is his actual Number Two by season 3, although what with how much work Michael actually gets done, Jim is the one actually running the office.* In ''Series/{{LOST}}'' [[spoiler: Ben becomes this to Hurley after he becomes protector of The Island in the GrandFinale]]* In ''Series/ThePrisoner'', The Village is for most intents and purposes ''run'' by Number Two, although the individual holding this title changes frequently. This of course raises the inevitable question, "Who is Number One?" The subsequent ''Prisoner'' [[ComicBooks graphic novel]] "Shattered Visage" answers this with another question: "does the existence of Number Two imply the existence of Number One?"* Zoe is Mal's Number Two in ''{{Series/Firefly}}''. Mal was Zoe's superior back when they were still in the war, and aboard Serenity, much of the same relationship continues. She is the more pragmatic Lancer to Mal's sometimes [[IdiotHero idiotic heroics]].* ''Series/{{Battlestar Galactica|2003}}'' has Saul Tigh, unless he's being an alcoholic or mustered out, then Helo gets the job. He's this to Adama in the original series as well.** Col. Jack Fisk serves the same role on the ''Pegasus'', but his relationship with his commander is quite different. He's scared shitless of Cain, carrying out her orders out of fear---granted, having your predecessor shot in front of you will do that to a man.** Within the Blue Squadron, Starbuck is this to Apollo at least in [[Series/BattlestarGalactica1978 the original show]].* Tony [=DiNozzo=] is Gibbs' Number Two on ''Series/{{NCIS}}''. While [=DiNozzo=] is usually a JerkJock who's [[DeadpanSnarker always got a smartass comment ready]], when he's put in charge he's [[ObfuscatingStupidity almost as competent as Gibbs]]. After Tony retires from NCIS in the Season 13 finale because [[spoiler: he is now the only parent of his and Ziva's two-year-old daughter after the latter's death]], the second-in-command role is passed onto [[HollywoodHacking Timothy]] [[TechnoBabble [=McGee=]]], symbolized by Tony dubbing him "Very Special Agent" during their goodbye. * ''Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}'':** This is never stated openly, but Willow seems to be Buffy's Number Two. Whenever Buffy isn't around, and the Scooby Gang needs a leader, Willow instantly steps up to the plate.** Xander, due to his brief transformation into soldier, becomes Buffy's Number Two for the Graduation Day battle. He was also this to Buffy in the Slayer Organization.*** While the transformation was temporary, Xander has demonstrated that he can recall the skills and mentality of his "costume" at will making his placement in the Slayer Organisation make a lot more sense.** Similarly, in ''Angel'', Wesley takes the Number Two spot in Angel Investigations.* Commander Susan Ivanova of ''Series/BabylonFive'', the station's Executive Officer, is frequently approached by alien diplomats with personal problems. Although her job is to deal with the routine day-to-day matters coming from the station, Sinclair and Sheridan are the military governors of the station and responsible for making decisions and interacting with the ambassadors on a professional level. Later in the series her job gets harder when Sheridan is also running a war (or two). Fortunately, she and Sinclair got on extremely well, and she and Sheridan are LikeBrotherAndSister and [[TrueCompanions trust each other implicitly]].** When Commander Ivanova becomes the station's de facto commander later on due to Sheridan being busy running the aforementioned war (or two), Lieutenant David Corwin becomes ''her'' Number Two. He continues this role when Ivanova is transferred out and replaced with Captain Elizabeth Lochley.* On ''Series/ParksAndRecreation'', Leslie Knope as deputy director is Number Two to Ron Swanson, director of the Parks and Rec department. ...At least officially. In reality, she's the only one getting anything done, since Ron has admitted on camera that he hates government, and plays the ObstructiveBureaucrat to the hilt.** Later, Ben Wyatt is introduced as NumberTwo to Chris Traeger, and later still, Leslie appears to be grooming April Ludgate as her own NumberTwo.* ''Series/SeaPatrol''. Lt Kate [=McGregor=], apply nicknamed "XO",is second in command and the leader of the boarding parties.* In ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'', Zack is Jason's second.* In ''Series/TheBrittasEmpire'', Laura functions as Gordon Brittas' Number Two...although in practice she's more like his HypercompetentSidekick. Amusingly enough, her second name is [[TheLancer Lancing]].* In ''Series/LawAndOrderSpecialVictimsUnit'' season nine premier Captain Cragian had to leave and Munch took his place.* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has Samantha Carter to Jack O'Neill, ofcourse they are the only two military on the team.* In ''Series/SeaQuestDSV'', the executive officer of the titular submarine is Commander Jonathan Ford (DonFranklin), first under Captain Nathan Bridger (Creator/RoyScheider) and then under Captain Oliver Hudson (Creator/MichaelIronside).* In ''Series/FallingSkies'' Tom Mason is second-in-command to Dan Weaver of the 2nd Massachusetts. This relationship flips as the show develops, although it's quite natural and the two actually become better friends in the process.* ''Series/DoctorWho'': Due to their relationship with the Doctor, most companions find themselves in this position to some degree, however Clara Oswald takes it to another level by explicitly being recognized - by the paramilitary organization UNIT and the prime minister of Great Britain, no less - as acting on the Doctor's behalf in his absence on several occasions.* The third series of ''Series/HoratioHornblower'' is the one in which he gets his own command, and as in the books he asks William Bush to be his first lieutenant. Bush is a no-nonsense disciplinarian who does his best to keep the ''Hotspur'' running like clockwork, so that Horatio can deal with the overall mission and not worry about minutiae like incompetent midshipmen or irritating French expatriates working for England.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Professional Wrestling]]* Killer Kowalski owned his own wrestling school, and instruction was ultimately up to him. But he left a lot of the teaching to JAPW's Slyck Wagner Brown.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]* One ''TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}}'' mission introduces the new Mandatory Bonus Duty of Executive Officer, who (in addition to the usual roles) gets a brevet promotion for the purpose of wearing a higher-clearance uniform-- the idea is that Commies will mistake him for [[TheCaptain the Team Leader]] and concentrate their fire on him instead. As usual for ''Paranoia'', The Computer [[DidntThinkThisThrough didn't think this through]] properly:----> '''Green-clearance Team Leader:''' All right, men, let's go!----> '''Random bystander:''' Hey, why are you letting him boss you around?----> '''"Blue"-clearance Executive Officer:''' Hey, yeah! ''*shoots the Team Leader*'' All right, men, let's go!* The command structure for Space Marines in ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' sometimes has predetermined successors for Chapter Masters, usually if the Chapter Master bites it the Captain of the First Company takes over but in the case of the Ultramarines Sicarius is being groomed as Calgar's successor and he's Captain of the Second Company.** When a member of a squad dies, in most cases, the player whose squad it is gets to pick which model is removed; the rules say this is to represent corporals taking over for sergeants, or extra grunts grabbing the fallen heavy weapon.** During the Great Crusade, the Primarchs (the head of the Space Marine Legions) would usually split the role of Number Two between the First Captain and their own Equerry. The First Captain would be the senior most commander after the Primarch, while the Equerry would be a personal adviser. For those Primarchs who went rogue, the First Captain would become TheDragon while the Equerry would become TheConsigliere.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]* Lester from ''VideoGame/GalaxyAngel''; in later games his role is taken up by Coco, a former [[BridgeBunnies Bridge Bunny]], and, in her own story thread, the Angel Forte.* In ''VideoGame/{{Mass Effect|1}}'', Commander Shepard starts out as [[BigGood Captain Anderson's]] Executive Officer on the ''Normandy'' [=SR-1=]. Once s/he's given command of the ''Normandy'', Navigator Pressley becomes XO.** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'', Miranda Lawson serves as XO on the ''Normandy'' [=SR-2=], as well as acting as Shepard's [[TheHandler Handler]]. Jacob Taylor and Garrus Vakarian can act as unofficial Number Twos, if you're so inclined.*** Garrus seems to be the biggest contender here, having the same attitude as a Paragade Shepard, being a leader in his own right, and in canon traveling with Shepard through the entire series. By ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', the Turians are essentially treating Garrus as their Shepard.** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', Liara takes over as the unofficial XO of the ''Normandy'', uses her new position as [[spoiler: the Shadow Broker]] to aid in gathering war-assets, while coordinating with the Alliance on the progress of [[spoiler: the Crucible project]]. This is once again shared with Garrus, if he's still alive, who takes up the military part of it, as a fellow soldier and Shepard's longest serving companion.** In the ''Omega DLC'', Bray is Aria T'Loak's ''official'' Number Two working to coordinate her forces on Omega, while Shepard is recruited to be her unofficial Number Two, as the [[OneManArmy One Wo/Man Army]] working to reclaim the station itself.* ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'':** Alistair serves here by default in due to the rest of the order being wiped out at Ostagar, leaving him as the only other Grey Warden ([[spoiler: [[ThereIsAnother not imprisoned]]]]) in Ferelden, aside from the Warden. Unusual in that Alistair has been a Grey Warden longer and should really outrank the PC. He just prefers to leave leadership up to someone else.** Bann Tegan serves as this for his brother, Arl Eamon, taking over the defense of Redcliffe from the undead attacks, due to Eamon having fallen into a coma after being poisoned.** Knight-Lieutenant/Captain Cullen is this to Knight-Commander Greagoir in ''Origins'' and later to Knight-Commander Meredith in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', as well as an increasingly rare voice of sanity in the order. In ''Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition'' he is technically more powerful, but is part of a war council and not a straight step down.** Amongst the Dalish, the "First" is the apprentice and appointed successor of the Keepers. Lanaya and [[TheDitz Merrill]] are both the First of their respective clans in ''Origins'', while Velanna from ''Awakening'' is a former First, having been exiled after she went on a RoaringRampageOfRevenge against the humans she (erroneously) believed kidnapped her sister.** Varel in ''Awakening'' and Bran in ''II'' serve as the resident Seneschal for the Warden-Commander and Viscount Dumar.* ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII''** Hawke serves this role to the [[PointyHairedBoss Viscount]] during the second act, negotiating with the Qunari on his behalf. This is because the Arishok views Hawke as the most "[[WorthyOpponent promising]]" individual in the city, while the only words he will deign to say to the Viscount is "[[SilenceYouFool Begone!]]".** Aveline and Varric frequently share the role of NumberTwo and TheLancer for Hawke, throughout the second game.* DAX is the long-suffering second-in-command of the ZEX in ''VideoGame/StarControlII''. He's never actually seen, ZEX says things to him offscreen.* ''VideoGame/EvilGenius'' had a character known only as Number 2. She exists only in the tutorial level and provides the voiceover in explanation videos. In her unit description, she is remarked as "The Indispensable Number 2", much in contrast to when [[spoiler: Maximillian has her shot at the end of the tutorial]].* In ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' Luigi is usually the character for the player two and was called "King of second bananas" in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros''.** For the ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi'' it's [[RunningGag usually joked]] that no one recognizes Luigi and everyone knows Mario. Even Bowser [[UpToEleven doesn't know]] who Luigi is and calls him Green Stache.* Since the first ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights'' campaign only lets you have one henchman, he/she is sort of your Number Two. Given the preferential treatment required to keep a love interest with you in the ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights'' and ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'' (and sequels) games, they could probably qualify (though in the original ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights'' campaign neither LoveInterest will join your party).* In ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia'', Botta is this to Yuan in [[LaResistance the Renegades]]. Since Yuan is a double agent and has to keep his identity under wraps, this leads to the initial impression that Botta is actually the leader, until the main character gets captured and encounters Yuan, who is then seen giving Botta orders.* In ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'', Tetsuya is this to the Hagane's Captain Daitetsu, and Sean is this to the Hiryu's Captain Lefina. Sadly, due to SixthRanger rules, the only counterpart to the Kurogane's Captain-slash-AcePilot [[strike:Elzam]] Ratsel is some nameless mook with his eyes obscured. [[spoiler:After Daitetsu's death, Tetsuya takes over as TheCaptain and Eita becomes his Number Two.]]* In ''[[VideoGame/NavalOps Warship Gunner 2]]'', the player can choose between three XOs by making certain gameplay decisions at the start of the campaign. [[GuideDangIt There is nothing in the game to indicate how this works]], even though it has huge plot effects.* Apparently subverted in ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts''. In Organization XIII, every member has a number, with Xemnas, their leader, as Number I. However, the numbering is merely based on the order that the members joined, and it appears that nobody but Vexen actually cares about numbers beyond I. Reinforcing this, Number II, Xigbar, is presented as just another member of the Organization. [[spoiler:However, it turns out to be played straight, albeit secretively. Xigbar knows far more about Xemnas's plans and movements than the other members of the Organization, and it just so happens that back when they were both human, Xehanort and Braig had this exact relationship (after Xehanort's other [[TheDragon Dragon]] bought it, that is).]]* ''VideoGame/StarTrekBridgeCommander'' starts with the PlayerCharacter being a new First Officer aboard the USS ''Dauntless''. Then the Captain is killed by a sudden nova, resulting in your field promotion to captain. Commander Saffi Larsen becomes your XO for the rest of the game. In fact, she may [[NonstandardGameOver relieve you of command]] if you fail a mission.* In ''VideoGame/StarTrekAwayTeam'' the First Officer of the USS ''Incursion'' is Commander Quint Freedman.* In ''VideoGame/StarCraft1 Brood War'', Admiral Gerard [=DuGalle=] second-in-command of the UED fleet is Vice-Admiral Alexei Stukov.* This rotates over the game in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfDragoon'':** The NumberTwo is [[KnightInShiningArmor Lavitz]] for Disc 1 [[spoiler: until he dies]], and then, it changes to [[BadassBookworm Albert]]. Albert is the NumberTwo throughout Disc 2 and into Disc 3 until Miranda takes charge during the Mille Seseau arc of the story. When Disc 4 comes around, [[DarkActionGirl Rose]] is solidly the NumberTwo.* Officially, [[AngryBlackMan Barret]] is in command of [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII AVALANCHE]] with Tifa as his NumberTwo and Cloud as some temporary hired muscle. By the time the party leaves Midgar Cloud is the acknowledged leader, with Tifa as his unofficial NumberTwo. As captain of [[GlobalAirship the Highwind]], Cid later takes on the role, taking over the leadership of the party when Cloud is incapacitated and Tifa stays behind to care for him.* Penultimo in the ''VideoGame/{{Tropico}}'' series is this for El Presidente.* Tails serves as this to ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' and the most likely to tag along in his adventures. He even sometimes takes over in Sonic's absence.* Jack is literally labeled as the Main/NumberTwo to [[TheLeader King]] in ''VideoGame/CaveStory''; he is the Mimiga village's second in command and guards the door to the graveyard. Despite being one of the most minor characters in the game, he gets an [[LowerDeckEpisode ironically major role]] as [[TheLeader the main protagonist]] in ''FanFic/CaveStoryVersusIMMeen'', but ultimately, [[RunningGag he's still number two.]]* ''VideoGame/XCOMEnemyUnknown'' has Central Officer Bradford, who manages the base, keeps the EasyLogistics easy, and sorts through intel to create missions, leaving [[NonEntityGeneral the Commander]] to handle the strategic and tactical matters.* ''VisualNovel/{{Sunrider}}'' has Ava Crescentia, the executive officer of the titular ship and second-in-command to its captain Kayto Shields. She’s in charge of managing the crew’s day-to-day operations and maintaining discipline, and in battle she controls the ''Sunrider'' directly, leaving Kayto free to direct the overall battle plan.* ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls''** In ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind Morrowind]]'', Hrundi served in this role to Percius Mercius, the ReasonableAuthorityFigure former Guild Master of the Fighters Guild. In attempting to overthrow the current (very corrupt) Guild Master either via the ThievesGuild quest line or the Fighters Guild quest line itself, you'll need Hrundi's support. In order to get it, you may need to [[spoiler:discover that he has taken a [[InterspeciesRomance Dunmer lover]] and use this information to {{blackmail}} him]].** As seen in ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIDaggerfall Daggerfall]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIVOblivion Oblivion]]'', Ocato filled this role to [[TheGoodKing Emperor Uriel Septim VII]] and, briefly, to his [[HiddenBackupPrince illegitimate son, Martin]]. Ocato served as the [[TheGoodChancellor High Chancellor]] and [[CourtMage Imperial Battlemage]] to Uriel VII, and very much [[TheCreon preferred being the number two]], including exhausting all backup options to find a suitable heir before accepting the title of [[RegentForLife Potentate]] of the Empire. (Something he had every right to take from the start as High Chancellor in accordance with the Elder Council Charter.)[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]* In ''Webcomic/AliceAndTheNightmare'', Queen Rougina has two: Azalea is her captain of the Guard, and Spade is her President.* In ''Webcomic/DubiousCompany'':** officially Tiren is Captain Walter's first mate.** Leeroy is the [[WarriorMonk security lieutenant]] of the Temple of Phred. He gets reassigned as Tiren's lieutenant after [[TheChosenOne Sal]] joins the crew.** It has never been established who is General Izor's lieutenant and no rank has been mentioned about any of the [[QuirkyMiniBossSquad Imperial Elite Guard]]. [[TheLancer Sue]] and [[TheSmartGuy Gary]] seem to rotate as the functioning capacity of this role.* ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'' gives us Moloch von Zinzer, who is, to his ''immense'' displeasure, Agatha Heterodyne's top minion. As Mechanicsburg is a town filled entirely with minions loyal to the House of Heterodyne, this essentially makes him the second most powerful person in the town.* ''{{Webcomic/Homestuck}}'':** Diamonds Droog was Spade Slick/Jack Noir's second in command. [[spoiler: When Slick recruits the Felt, Crowbar becomes the new second in command.]]** [[spoiler:In the Alpha universe, the Draconian Dignitary became the Condesce's second in command after Jack Noir was imprisoned by Prospit.]]** It's pretty much stated that one of SBURB's constants is that at the start of the game Jack Noir is the second in command to the Black Queen... and [[TheStarScream he hates her guts]].* In ''Webcomic/{{Nebula}}'', Mercury is pretty much Sun's right-hand man, and possibly the only one Sun is actually close to. Might be a RedOniBlueOni thing- Sun is aloof to the point of isolation, while Mercury is constantly butting into everyone's business.* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'':** [[TheLancer Haley]] to [[TheHero Roy]] for the Order, due to a bit of fast talking when she first joined up. While at first she just wanted a larger share of the treasure, she grows into a second-in-command who can offer advice on sneaky tactics, making a nice counterpoint to Roy's clever but usually straight-forward plans.** [[TheDragon Redcloak]] is this to [[BigBad Xykon]], and has one of his own in [[MookLieutenant Jirix]].** The [[MookPromotion booted Wight]] to Tsukiko.** [[MauveShirt Niu]] is this to the [[RebelLeader leader]] of the Azure City [[LaResistance Resistance]] (originally Haley, later [[BadassMustache Thanh]]).* The ''WebComic/ParadoxSpace'' comic "The Inaugural Death of Mister Seven" has the titular Number Seven discuss this in relation to his gang, the Felt. Number Seven acts as the Number Three to two omnipotent villains known as Doc Scratch and Lord English. In practice though, English works alone, leaving Scratch in charge and Number Seven as the Number Two. Oh, and the member who's number is actually two is not the Number Two, and Doc Scratch gets no actual number. Number Seven tries to ignore the whole mess and just do his job.* In ''Webcomic/CaptainUfo'', Ufo's First Mate is called Number One, even by the judge who took him to trial.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]* ''TabletopGame/TechInfantry'' has Johanna Ingolfsson and later Xinjao O'Reilly as Number Two to Erich Von Shrakenberg.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]* ''WesternAnimation/GetEd'': The calm and level-headed Deets is the second-in-command [[{{Main/Foil}} foil]] to the hot-headed [[MeaningfulName Burn]].* ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'':** Brooklyn is promoted to the position of Goliath's second when Hudson decides he's getting too old to be an effective leader and when Goliath's long absence proves such a chain of command might be needed. He proves to be an excellent choice with his calculating personality and talent for tactics.** A more difficult one to spot is Demona's second in command, who is nameless, but is listed as Second. He appears frequently in her past, being one of the first recruited, he questioned her callousness against humans, and even lost his mate when they went against the proto-hunter. He later saves Demona from the Duncan's men, and is one of the few (exactly four) survivors of the rogue Gargoyles. He continues to be allied with Demona even assisting her with her alliance with Macbeth, despite being 139 years old (which is even older than Demona at this point). He dies offscreen in a massacre.* ''WesternAnimation/BeastWars'': Rattrap in the beginning seemed to be Optimus Primal's Number Two, becoming leader while Optimus was stuck inside the alien vessel in ''Chain of Command''. However, by the beginning of the second season, it would seem that Rhinox took over that role, becoming temporary leader while Optimus [[spoiler: was dead]]. On the flip side, Scorponok was Number Two to Megatron until his death, when that role was passed on to Inferno (obviously due to his loyalty and not his intelligence, which seem rather lackluster) Then, during ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'', the role of Number Two for the Maximals went to Cheetor, who took command whenever Optimus was not capable of leading. Rattrap was still the Number Two as Rhinox was [[spoiler: busy looking for Optimus's spark during most of the episode.]]* ''ThePenguinsOfMadagascar''** The penguins have Kowalski, who seems to function as Skipper's Number Two.** Dr Blowhole also has his main lobster, Red One.* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'':** Numbuh Five was the real Number Two to the leader, Numbuh One. Numbah Two was a pilot and possibly Numbuh Five's Number Two.** Also Numbuh 86, who plays this role to the Supreme Leader, Numbuh 362. Who herself was once second-in-command to Numbuh 274.* ''GIJoe'':** In the second miniseries ''The Revenge of Cobra'', Flint is Number Two to Duke and takes over command of the Joe team when Duke is captured by Cobra early in the first episode.** Duke ''and'' Flint to General Hawk when the latter arrives in the second season opening miniseries, ''Arise, Serpentor, Arise!''.** In the Marvel comics, Hawk commanded the team from the beginning, with Stalker serving as his Number Two. [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute Duke]] is brought in when Hawk is KickedUpstairs to a desk job, and Flint is brought in later as a new Number Two. When Hawk is promoted to brigadier general, however, he's also given authority to resume field command, relegating Duke down to Number Two status alongside Flint (although Flint would be featured more, due in part to his ongoing relationship with Lady Jaye, while Duke faded into the background between the Battle of Springfield and the Trucial Abysmia incident).* In ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'', [[TheAce Astrid]] falls immediately into this role with her usual talent as Hiccup and his dragon riders fly in to fight the [[BigBad Green Death,]] particularly when Hiccup separates from the group to to free Toothless, his dragon. This is because Hiccup knows the most about how to communicate and ride with dragons- vital knowledge to the neophyte Riders- and is extremely talented in the areas of [[GadgeteerGenius invention]] and innovation. Astrid surpasses him in combat skill and [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy traditional Viking exploits]], but because ''everything'' about dragon riding is new to the Vikings, she acts as his deputy. (Once Hiccup earns her respect, of course.) She is also responsible for recruiting the first Riders and convincing them to fight the BigBad.* ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans''. Never outright stated in the show, but [[TheLancer Cyborg]] seems to function as leader whenever Robin is AWOL or otherwise unable to lead, e.g the season one finale. Except during the finale of the fifth season story arc, when the role falls to Beast Boy. True, for most of it this was by default of him being the only core team member still free and active, but when the others show up, he still seems to be calling the shots until Robin's freed from the Brotherhood. There's also the fact that to most of the team the Brotherhood are new enemies, while Beast Boy had already faced them numerous times when he was a member of the Doom Patrol before joining the Titans.* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'': [[BadassNormal Applejack]], because of being the TeamMom and the ([[ConflictBall usual]]) voice of reason among the Mane 6, is the go-to second-in-command of [[TheHero Twilight]] [[BadassBookworm Sparkle]]. The cowgirl always takes up the reins whenever Twilight is absent or otherwise unable to lead, something which no pony (not even [[BoisterousBruiser Rainbow Dash]]) complains about.* ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'':** Asami becomes Korra's Number Two during Book Three where they spend the most amount of time with each other than any of the other members of the cast. With Korra as TheLeader, Asami serves as her confidante and go-to girl for planning and strategy. [[spoiler:It is one of the factors that leads them to becoming an OfficialCouple towards the end of the series.]]** Her predecessor Aang in ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' had [[spoiler:Zuko]] as his Number Two. While Sokka is defacto TheLeader because he's the master strategist who mostly calls the shots, [[spoiler:Zuko]] is the only other unifying force of Team Avatar besides the Avatar himself. [[spoiler:When Aang goes missing, Zuko is the one to step up and take the reins]]. [[/folder]]

[[folder:Real Life]]* This is standard practice in most military forces around the world: every officer will either have a junior aide or senior enlisted man to advise them. Occasionally, the job description also entitles [[YouAreInCommandNow replacing the officer in case he takes a dirt nap or is otherwise incapacitated]], to maintain operation even during an emergency.* Alan Brooke was the Number Two of UsefulNotes/WinstonChurchill. Theoretically he was the Number Two of King George VI (since the Monarch, by convention, delegates power to the Government of the day) but that was eccentric British {{Nostalgia}} rather than a serious governmental arrangement. The Armed Forces are loyal not to Parliament, but to the Crown, and therefore Alan Brooke could not be nominally subordinate to the PM and retain the authority to over-rule any other military advisor the Government might call in. Alan Brooke was also Chief of the Imperial General Staff - the Empire's senior military officer - and therefore in a position to exercise command over Empire and Dominion troops who Churchill had no direct authority over, and this derived specifically from his nominal role as the King-Emperor's military advisor (since Churchill was subordinate to the King in that respect).* For the US armed forces, the Vice President of the United States, first in the line of succession after the President of the United States, is ''not'' an example. His primary job is to maintain pulse and respiration just in case something befalls the president, such as death, illness, or if he quits or is removed from office. For the armed forces, NumberTwo after the President will typically be the Secretary of Defense (for the four armed services of the Department of Defense) or the Secretary of Homeland Security (for the Coast Guard). Both men are also in the line of succession, but by design are rather far down the line[[note]]the Secretary of Defense is sixth in line, right after the Coast Guard's former boss, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Homeland Security is in seventeenth place, right after the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. Second and Third place go to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, respectively. After that it's all Cabinet Secretaries, in order of seniority based on when that cabinet position was established.[[/note]][[/folder]]